The purposes of the Department of Public Safety are to enforce certain laws for protection of the people from negligence of others and from criminal attacks and to insure freedom of movement and enjoyment of the state highway system; to provide emergency services for restoration of order and control in the event of natural disaster or civil disorder; and to provide technical assistance to other enforcement agencies for application in all phases of the criminal justice system.
This evaluation was conducted to determine the functions, effectiveness, and managerial operation of the department and to relate its activities to the overall system of law enforcement in Mississippi. The PEER Committee found that the department’s leadership had broad experience, its personnel had excellent training, and its equipment in most respects was second to none. Some internal improvements could be accomplished administratively, however. Recommendations were made in areas where the statutes seemed unnecessarily restrictive or needed updating. Suggestions included redesigning the department’s organization structure, improving staff management and coordination with other enforcement activities of motor vehicle inspections, and lifting restrictions on the size and power output of engines in patrol cars and restoring the use of high performance engines.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.